Although Jon Jones has decided to fight Glover Teixeira next, the light-heavyweight champ has also said he hopes to erase the “blemish” Alexander Gustafsson put on his record at UFC 165. Despite the fact Jones rebounded Saturday… Read More

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Jones

By FCF Staff

Although Jon Jones has decided to fight Glover Teixeira next, the light-heavyweight champ has also said he hopes to erase the “blemish” Alexander Gustafsson put on his record at UFC 165. Despite the fact Jones rebounded Saturday and went on to earn a unanimous decision win, Gustafsson badly cut and pushed the champ throughout much of the bout.

Before it was confirmed that Jones will fight Teixeira, the reigning champ relayed the following to “UFC Tonight’s” Ariel Helwani, about the direction he was taking.

“He told me he did not break his foot. It’s just a deep bruise and he should be good to go in a few weeks. Right after the fight he thought the most-fair thing to do was to grant Alexander Gustafsson a rematch. Now, after watching the fight over ten more, Jones thinks he decisively won rounds two, four and five and that he decisively won the fight, so the most-fair thing to do is to move on.”

Jones and Teixeira are expected to fight over Super Bowl weekend in February, 2014. The UFC also hopes to have Gustafsson headline a card around that time in his native Sweden, although no opponent has been confirmed.

Following Jon Jones’ thrilling, title defense victory over Alexander Gustafsson Saturday night, UFC President Dana White thought the champion would take some time before deciding what’s next. Just a few days later, however, it looks like “Bones”… Read More

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UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

Following Jon Jones’ thrilling, title defense victory over Alexander Gustafsson Saturday night, UFC President Dana White thought the champion would take some time before deciding what’s next. Just a few days later, however, it looks like “Bones” has already decided.

In a new report from ESPN, Jones is quoted saying that he wants to fight Glover Teixeira next, and Gustafsson after that. White also said that the promotion has agreed to Jones’ request, and is hoping to hold the bout next February on Super Bowl weekend in New Jersey.

Jones relayed in a statement:

“I said before the [Gustafsson] fight my sights were set on breaking the record,” Jones said. “I want to crush the record. I want to beat the record so bad it can never be broken.”

“I’m going to fight Glover and I will answer all the critics about the Gustafsson fight. I will fight Gustafsson after I fight Glover. I won the fight but I look at it as a blemish on my record because some people think I didn’t. I promise you, he will be next.”

White relayed that Gustafsson is going to be booked to headline an event in his native Sweden, and that the fight will take place close to the same time as Jones-Teixeira.

Teixeira was promised a title shot in September, after he stopped Ryan Bader at UFC FN 28. Due to the competitive battle that Jones-Gustafsson was, and follow up comments from White, there was speculation that the promotion might book an immediate rematch instead.

Despite the memorable and violent war Jon Jones engaged in with Alexander Gustafsson Saturday night, the light-heavyweight champ has evidently emerged from the bout without any serious injuries.

Following the UFC 165 headliner, Jones was released from a Toronto hospital cleared of any serious injuries, and the champion underwent additional tests to make sure he’s okay today. The renowned fighter tweeted Tuesday:

Just got back from a MRI, Great news! my foot is not broken or fractured.. Focusing on a full recovery

Jones reportedly injured his foot early on in the bout, and although it was suspected the injury could be serious, it looks as though he will not be sidelined for too long.

Now it remains to be seen if Jones will fight Gustafsson in a rematch, following his competitve UD win over the challenger, or Glover Teixeira next.

Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson engaged in one of the sport’s most brutal and entertaining wars in recent memory at UFC 165, and the two light-heavyweights have earned medical suspensions as a result.

Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson engaged in one of the sport’s most brutal and entertaining wars in recent memory at UFC 165, and the two light-heavyweights have earned medical suspensions as a result.

According to multiple reports, the Office of the Athletics Commissioner of Ontario has suspended Jones and Gustafsson for 60 days. Jones needs to receive a CT scan or MRI before he returns to action, as well as another x-ray.

Gustafsson, meanwhile, also needs to receive a MRI and CT scan before he can fight again.

Other competitors that picked up lengthier medical suspensions included bantamweight Eddie Wineland, Renee Forte, Chris Clements and Nandor Guelmino. All of the fighters will need to receive a CT scan and MRI before competing.

If you didn’t believe in him prior to UFC 165, Swedish light-heavyweight Alexander Gustafsson gave UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones all he could handle over 25 minutes.

Jones was rightfully the pre-fight favorite among MMA fans and Las Vegas odds makers, but Gustafsson came into the fight ready for anything. In fact, Gustafsson was able to take Jones down, and stopped 10 of 11 takedown attempts throughout the five-round fight.

Gustafsson didn’t leave the UFC octagon last night as champion, but he still has a lot to be proud of following his performance. MMA journalists (myself included!) and casual fans believed it would be Jones that ended the fight by KO, TKO, or submission. Instead, Gustafsson was able to withstand Jones’ best strikes, and dish out some pain against the champion, making him finally look uncomfortable inside the cage.

I was impressed that Jones used his boxing, kicks, knees and elbows to keep Gustafsson guessing – and Gustafsson was able to absorb so many shots.

Gustafsson hopes for an immediate rematch against Jones, especially with the UFC marketing machine able to promote a second fight to a new level.

Here is what UFC President Dana White said following UFC 165:

“Yeah, there’s a real good possibility we could do this again. We would give Glover (Teixeira) another fight. I like the idea. I think that fight was awesome. I think that this is one of those fights that people would love to see again. It would be hard for either one of the fighters not to think that they both should rematch.”

I would rather see Jones fight Glover Teixeira while Gustafsson needs one bounce-back win, but I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to an immediate rematch.

UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub choked out heavy-handed Matt Mitrione on the main card of UFC 165, winning with a solid D’Arce choke submission.

Mitrione was expected to try and put pressure on Schaub whenever the fight was standing, however, we saw Schaub land more significant strikes on the feet. Following a barrage of heavy shots, Schaub was able to land a takedown and Mitrione was clearly in trouble.

Just because Schaub had a horrible performance against Roberto Abreau at Metamoris 2 earlier in the year, doesn’t mean the 30-year-old can’t cause most UFC heavyweight fighters stress while on the ground.

Mitrione is known for his outlandish attitude and heavy hands, but anyone with a logical MMA sense understood Schaub headed into the fight with better overall MMA skills. Unfortunately for Mitrione, he entered professional MMA at a later age, and he likely won’t have time to try and develop his submission defense and BJJ game – and could be relegated to standing and banging with all of his opponents.

Since dropping two straight fights by knockout to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Ben Rothwell, Schaub has bounced back by beating Lavar Johnson and Mitrione.

The UFC shouldn’t immediately throw Schaub a top heavyweight, despite relatively thin ranks in the HW division, as I believe he needs at least one more win. If Schaub can get another win, expect to see him matched up in significantly more important fights than what was promoted as a potential sloppy slugfest.

UFC President Dana White said Schaub might not have to wait long:

“He might slide into a slot now where something else just fell out. We might have another fight for him soon. Tonight was an easy night for him, a little warm-up.”

Heading into last night’s UFC 165 card, depending on who you talked to, Alexander Gustafsson was or wasn’t a legitimate threat to the historic reign of Jon Jones. The UFC did its best to… Read More

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Alexander Gustafsson

By Kelsey Mowatt

Heading into last night’s UFC 165 card, depending on who you talked to, Alexander Gustafsson was or wasn’t a legitimate threat to the historic reign of Jon Jones. The UFC did its best to promote “The Mauler” has someone who could test the light-heavyweight, and cited the fighter’s size and reach as key factors. Others, including the Swedish fighter himself, pointed to Gustafsson’s striking and footwork as factors that could challenge Jones. For others, however, there was little doubt that Jones would overwhelm the contender with his wrestling and punishing top game. As a result, “Bones” would have no issues setting a new title defense record at six.

Of course, what unfolded was truly remarkable, as not only did Gustafsson bloody Jones with punches, but the contender defended 10 of the champ’s 11 takedown attempts. If that wasn’t impressive and surprising enough, Gustafsson managed to take the experienced wrestler down. The 26 year-old demonstrated that his overall game is much diverse than many had previously believed.

While Jones, to his credit, battled back in the fourth and fifth rounds and went on to score a unanimous decision, Gustafsson’s standing is considerably higher today than it was yesterday afternoon. In the FOX Sports 2’s post-fight show, UFC President Dana White had this to say about the instant classic:

“It was awesome. Not only did I not expect this fight to go five rounds, I didn’t think Alex would stop Jones from taking him down. In fact it was the opposite. Gustafsson actually took him down.”

Gustafsson (photo via UFC)

“Yes,” White noted, while discussing Jones’ gritty performance. “He’s got an incredible chin and he has unorthodox striking. I know Gustafsson’s hurting right now, but his stock is way up right now too.”

Gustafsson’s impressive performance didn’t end in the Octagon, however, as although it was a tightly contested affair, the light-heavyweight was gracious in defeat. When asked if he believes he should have been awarded the decision, the Alliance MMA fighter stated:

“It’s hard to say. I don’t know. I learned a lot from this fight. He’s the champ. To take the belt from the champ you have to finish him. The biggest lesson is I have to push the pace harder. I just did what I thought I could do and it wasn’t enough. I will come back stronger and better. I’m disappointed, but I’m very proud of what I did and my team.”

So, at a time when some were questioning whether Jones should look to move to heavyweight sooner than later, it appears the star has some work to do at 205. Not only are fans and MMA insiders calling for a rematch with Gustafsson already, but Glover Teixeira is still waiting for his title shot as well.

And as far as Gustafsson’s thoughts on a rematch with Jones? Once again, the contender was far from confrontational.

“Absolutely. I want a rematch right away. But it’s up to the UFC. It’s an honor to fight Jon.”

One of the key wins that was recorded at last night’s UFC 165 was by Renan Barao, who defended the interim bantamweight title for a second time by stopping Eddie Wineland. With the victory, Barao is expected… Read More

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Eddie Wineland (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

One of the key wins that was recorded at last night’s UFC 165 was by Renan Barao, who defended the interim bantamweight title for a second time by stopping Eddie Wineland. With the victory, Barao is expected to face reigning champion Dominick Cruz sometime in early 2014, who has been on the shelf now for nearly two years due to knee surgeries.

Barao secured his 31st win by stunning Wineland with a spinning back-kick, and then prompting the ref’s intervention (Yves Lavigne) with additional punches. Wineland was in serious trouble, but at the same time, he didn’t appear to lose consciousness. As a result, the former WEC champ relayed in the post fight presser that he thought the stoppage was premature, and in a follow-up tweet stated:

Disappointed in the stoppage but was ref’s discretion. I’m a durable man, it’s a title fight and I wasn’t close to out! Hats off to Renan.

With the loss Wineland’s record now stands at 20-9-1. The 29 year-old had locked up a bout with Barao by winning back-to-back fights over Scott Jorgensen and Brad Pickett.

Following their instant classic, main event bout last night at UFC 165, there is already considerable and understandable speculation as to whether Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson will fight again. After all, not only was the fight… Read More

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Gustafsson (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

Following their instant classic, main event bout last night at UFC 165, there is already considerable and understandable speculation as to whether Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson will fight again. After all, not only was the fight filled with memorable moments, but the consensus seems to be that Jones barely retained his light-heavyweight championship.

The 26 year-old champ, who was badly cut and largely unable to take the fight to the floor, battled back with strikes to record the unanimous decision win.

When asked about the possibility of a rematch during the card’s post-fight, UFC on FOX 2 show, Dana White stated:“I think they could fight again. I think Glover (Teixeira) would get another fight. I told Alex after the fight that he lost nothing in his fight.”’

In the post-fight presser, the UFC President also relayed that he’s interested in booking a rematch, however, nothing is certain at this juncture. Gustafsson was also asked about the possibility of rematching Jones, and “The Mauler” responded:

“Absolutely. I want a rematch right away. But it’s up to the UFC. It’s an honor to fight Jon.”

With the win, Jones set a new title defense record for the light-heavyweight title at six.

The headliner at UFC 165 was one of the promotion’s best bouts in recent memory, and not surprisingly, Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson were awarded “Fight of the Night” honors for their efforts.

Jones went on to score a unanimous decision win over Gustafsson, who pushed the light-heavyweight champ to his limits throughout the main event. Each man collected an extra $50K for picking up “FOTN “.

“Knockout of the Night” went to Renan Barao, who defend his interim bantamweight championship by stopping Eddie Wineland with a spinning back kick and follow up punches. After the fight Wineland relayed at the post fight presser that he disagreed with the stoppage.

“Submission of the Night” and an extra $50,000 went to bantamweight Mitch Gagnon, who choked Dustin Kimura unconscious with a first round, guillotine choke.

The pundits and fans that predicted Alexander Gustafsson would be the stiffest test to date for Jon Jones were proven right tonight at UFC 165, as the light-heavyweight champ narrowly got by the… Read More

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A victorious Jones (photo via UFC / FUEL TV)

By FCF Staff

The pundits and fans that predicted Alexander Gustafsson would be the stiffest test to date for Jon Jones were proven right tonight at UFC 165, as the light-heavyweight champ narrowly got by the rising challenger.

Early on, Jones had difficulties negating the boxing of Gustafsson, and the Swedish fighter managed to land multiple punches and cut the champ over the right eye. Jones attempted to take the bout to the mat in response, but Gustafsson was able to defend the takedown attempts and even swept the champ to the ground.

As the thrilling fight entered the championship rounds, it was Jones who looked worse for wear, but the bloodied star stepped up his attacks and appeared to badly stun Gustafsson with elbows.

In the end, Jones was awarded the unanimous decision win, but the New York fighter conceded it had been the “dog fight” he was looking for.

Here are the official results for UFC 165, which took place in Toronto, Canada.